Developing a generation of dental leaders

on 19 July 2011

Presidents and vice presidents of the Dental Students’ Societies from the UK’s 16 dental schools last week attended a one-day workshop at the British Dental Association’s (BDA’s) London headquarters.

The 2011 BDA Annual Council of Presidents Meeting, which took place on Saturday 9 July, was designed to hone attendees’ leadership skills, helping to prepare them to take on responsibility in their careers, and develop a professional network of peers from across the UK.

It provides practical advice on professional leadership and career development and allows delegates to quiz senior figures from the dental profession about their own professional development and factors influencing dentistry.

Peter Ward said: ‘It’s a huge privilege to attend this day which serves as a reminder of the energy and verve of the cohort of bright young people currently training to become dentists.

‘It’s important that the profession invests in its future by harnessing, developing and encouraging the aspirations and abilities of these individuals and I am proud that the BDA was once again this year able to host this day.

‘Leadership skills are a vital component of a dentist’s career development and clinical leadership is becoming increasingly important in the dental profession.’